It’s all about the climb. Standing on top of the mountain isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I have over 50 years of corporate mountain climbing to prove it. My most joyous and fulfilling years came when I was struggling, slipping and banging my knees while looking up at some distant business success I conjured up in my mind. Those rare times when I made it to the top and rested while staring down at my accomplishments were never quite as exhilarating as I had imagined.
If I put that experience to the art of aging gracefully, I recognize I need to continue to work, to climb, to be happy. The goal of full retirement may work for others, but it’s just not a place I hanker to be.